Ryan Jamaal Swain
Star of Pose & LGBTQIA+ Activist
Ryan Jamaal Swain is an awarding winning actor and activist.
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Full Bio
Ryan Jamaal Swain is an awarding winning actor and activist. Most notably, a breakout star of FX’s award-winning show Pose, which has been internationally and critically praised for its authentic and skillful portrayal of queer and trans life on television. In it, he portrays the role of Damon Richards Evangelista, an ambitious dancer who, after being kicked out of his home for being gay, becomes part of a self-selected family in New York City’s ‘80s-era queer ballroom scene. Following the success of Pose, Swain has been seen in the television show The First Lady opposite Viola Davis, on Broadway in Choir Boy and on numerous Off-Broadway stages.
As an activist, Swain was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his LGBTQIA+ work on and off the screen. In addition, he has won awards from the Human Rights Campaign, Howard University, TrevorLIVE and TV One, where he made a rousingly moving acceptance speech on his intersections of being Black, Millennial and Queer. Swain also takes pride in being a Stonewall Inn Ambassador. In his efforts to deepen his charge to protecting and liberating young Queer people, he created a national campaign with the It Gets Better Foundation titled #48HoursOfLove—sharing uplifting messages of hope, empowerment and support to LGBTQIA+ students during the stressful back-to-school season all over the country.
Swain has also been featured in numerous publications ranging from Vogue, Nyloån Germany, GQ, The New York Times, Forbes and WWD for his fashion advocacy for Queer visibility.
Known for his inspiring “rags to riches story” of heading to New York City with only $50 to pursue his dreams, Swain’s passion for performing began at an early age. In his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, Swain started tap lessons at age four and quickly expanded to ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop. As an actor, he then attended the esteemed Alabama School of Fine Arts. A first-generation college graduate, Swain earned a B.F.A. from Howard University and trained at the British American Drama Academy in conjunction with Yale School of Drama in Oxford, U.K.
As a writer, Swain wrote and starred in “A Negro Writer,” a one-man show about Langston Hughes and his proverbial and private life. And is currently writing a teen fiction novel loosely based on his own coming-of-age story.
He is also currently recording his first single to be shared later this year.
Whether sharing a life story that has parallels with Damon Richards (As a child, Swain was physically and emotionally abused by his stepfather because of his sexual orientation.) or inspiring others to boldly pursue their dreams, Swain brings an empowering message of overcoming odds while giving back to others. His keynotes motivate audiences to find their voice, cultivate their “why” and use what makes them unique as their superpower.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Finding Your Chosen Family
Behind the Scenes at Pose
Black, Millennial & Queer
Don’t Just Accept. Be An Ally.
Videos
"Pose" Star Ryan Jamaal Swain Talks About The Importance of Chosen Family
"Pose" Star Ryan Jamaal Swain Says He Works On "The Best Show"
Books
News
Testimonials
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